Hand-to-Foot Pose

Definition - What does Hand-to-Foot Pose mean?

Hand-to-foot pose is an advanced standing yoga pose which builds balance, opens the hips and stabilizes the core. This highly beneficial pose is rooted in the feet and legs and requires a level of balance and breath control only achieved when the practitioner is fully engaged and acutely aware.

Hand-to-foot pose is also known as hasta padasana in Sanskrit.

Yogapedia explains Hand-to-Foot Pose

As with every pose in yoga, this position begins with, and is sustained by, the breath. On the inhalation, the practitioner establishes focus and strongly roots the supporting leg. On the exhalation, the non-rooted leg begins to lighten. At the beginning of the following inhalation, this leg rises and its knee travels to the chest. During mid-inhalation, the fingers of the hand corresponding to the lifted leg wrap around the big toe and the leg is gently extended forward. Full inhalation finds the leg, with flexed toes, in its final, extended position; and the exhalation further grounding the supporting leg.

A more advanced pose can be achieved when the practitioner, after beginning inhalation, gently moves the raised leg from the forward position out to the side of the body.

Hand-to-foot pose offers many physical benefits. It opens the hips, strengthens the ankles, stabilizes the core, stretches the large leg muscles and builds balance.